Ergonomic Receptacle Having Viscoelastic Skin

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic receptacle has a viscoelastic skin peripherally about a vessel that provides a conformable grip both comfortable to use and slippage resistant. The viscoelastic skin may be monolithic or composite, sleevelike or baglike. The vessel advantageously may be a drinking vessel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is drawn to the field of receptacles; more particularly, to receptacles of compound wall construction, and still more particularly, to novel ergonomic receptacles having viscoelastic skins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is replete with a variety of compound wall cups, cupholders, beverage holders, food dispensing containers and other vessels of diverse construction and purpose. Some employ an insulative outer skin, and/or an internal coolant or heating chamber, to insulate the hand, and/or to chill or to warm a beverage or other aliment. Reference in this connection may be made to United States patent documents D509996, 20050226965, 20070051736, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,163,374, 4,183,226, 4,299,100, 4,324,111, 4,768,354, 5,361,604, and 7,458,504, each incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,753,289, 6,641,854, and 7,063,229, each incorporated herein by reference, are exemplary of another type of compound wall cup or other vessel used for dispensing together a liquid such as milk with a solid, such as cereal, or another two types of aliment. Other heretofore known compound wall cups or other receptacles include those that have a transparent outer layer and a patterned inner wall visible through the transparent outer layer, as is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,948, incorporated herein by reference.

The hand typically conformed to the shape and profile of the cup, container or other vessel of compound wall construction with more or less comfort, in dependence on the shape and profile of the cup or other receptacle. For any given profile and construction, because of the differing hand sizes among adults, and between adults and children, the heretofore known receptacles of compound wall construction were maximally comfortable and useful primarily to those of average or other target size hands but their comfort and utility was limited for those having other than average or targeted hand sizes, often resulting in discomfort and sometimes in lack of use. Moreover, the sureness of grip depended on the size and shape of the hand and the shape and profile of the cup, cupholder or container receiving the hand. The greater the mismatch therebetween the more the heretofore known cups, containers or other receptacles of compound wall construction were subject to damage or spillage from undesired droppage or slippage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It accordingly is the principal object of the present invention to disclose an ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin not subject to the disadvantages of the heretofore known receptacles of compound wall construction.

A related object of the present invention is to disclose such an ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin that locally deforms when grasped in such a way as to comfortably conform to a wide variety of hand sizes and shapes of both adults and children.

A related object of the present invention is to disclose such an ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin that forms a contour grip that is comfortable and that does not easily slip out of hand.

In accord with these and other objects, the ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin of the present invention includes a vessel having walls defining a receiving void. The vessel may, for example, be a cup and the receiving void, may, for example, serve to contain a drink.

A viscoelastic skin is provided about the vessel to cover at least a major portion of its peripheral surface. The viscoelastic skin exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle displacing the viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall of the vessel, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released. The viscoelastic skin provided about at least a major portion of the peripheral surface of the vessel may in alternate disclosed embodiments be monolithic or may be composite. In alternate disclosed embodiments, the viscoelastic skin may be a bag that captures the peripheral sidewalls and included bottom wall of the vessel and may be sleevelike so as to surround at least the major portion of the peripheral surface of the vessel.

Flat, dimpled and apertured bottom caps are disclosed in alternate exemplary ergonomic receptacles having sleevelike viscoelastic skin embodiments.

The viscoelastic skin and vessel are permanently attached in alternate presently preferred and exemplary embodiments by adhesive and laser bonding, by molding and by means of mechanical capture although other attachment or joining techniques could be employed without departing from the inventive concepts.

The viscoelastic skin may be translucent or transparent and the walls defining the peripheral surface of the vessel may be patterned with structural or decorative features and/or imprinted with company logo's or other indicia or information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, advantageous features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following, solely exemplary, detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, and to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows in FIG. 1A a bottom pictorial view and in FIG. 1B a pictorial sectional view of an ergonomic receptacle having a monolithic viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows in FIG. 2A a bottom pictorial view and in FIG. 2B a pictorial sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a monolithic viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows in the FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C thereof side pictorial views of exemplary tactile structural and decorative features provided on the walls defining the peripheral surface of the vessel in any embodiment of the ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows in the FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C thereof pictorial sectional views of variations of one embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows in the FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D thereof pictorial sectional views of variations of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin and flat bottom cap in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows in the FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D thereof pictorial sectional views of variations of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin and apertured bottom cap in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows in the FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D thereof pictorial sectional views of variations of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin and dimpled bottom cap in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows in the FIGS. 8A, 8B thereof pictorial exploded and sectional views of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin that includes an integral bottom web cap in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows in the FIGS. 9A, 9B thereof pictorial exploded and sectional views of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin that includes the integral bottom web cap in accord with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a partial pictorial view of the integral bottom web cap of the FIGS. 8, 9 embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, generally designated at 10 is one embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a monolithic viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 10 includes a vessel generally designated 12. The vessel 12 includes upstanding sidewalls 14 and an included bottom wall 16. The sidewalls 14 and bottom wall 16 define a mouth generally designated 18, near the top of the vessel 12, and a chamber generally designated 20, internal to the vessel 12 and in communication with the mouth 18. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 18 and contained in the chamber 20 of the vessel 12. Although the vessel 12 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 12 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 22 carried about its mouth 18. The outwardly extending collar 22 is attached to the top of the vessel 12, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 22 has threads 24 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 26 provided about its bottom end. The threads 24 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A monolithic viscoelastic skin generally designated 28 is provided about the outside of the vessel 12. The viscoelastic skin 28 has an upstanding annular sidewall 30 and an included bottom wall 32 that define a bag that is adapted to capture the vessel 12 in such a way that the sidewall 30 and bottom wall 32 of the viscoelastic skin 28 fit over and are in contacting relation with the sidewall 14 and bottom wall 16 of the vessel 12. The confronting top and bottom edges of the viscoelastic skin 28 and shoulder 26 of the collar 22 are bonded and lap joined as illustrated generally at 34.

The monolithic viscoelastic skin 28 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 10 by displacing the viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 12 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 14 of the vessel 12, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 2, generally designated at 50 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a monolithic viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 50 includes a vessel generally designated 52. The vessel 52 includes an upstanding annular sidewall 54 and an included bottom wall 56. The sidewall 54 and bottom wall 56 define a mouth generally designated 58, near the top of the vessel 52, and a chamber generally designated 60, internal to the vessel 52 and in communication with the mouth 58. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 58 and contained in the chamber 60 of the vessel 52. Although the vessel 52 is shown with a generally U-shaped annular profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 52 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 62 carried about its mouth 58. The outwardly extending collar 62 is attached to the top of the vessel 52, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 62 has threads 64 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending annular shoulder generally designated 66 provided about its bottom end. The threads 64 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A monolithic viscoelastic skin generally designated 68 is provided about the outside of the vessel 12. The viscoelastic skin 68 has an upstanding annular sidewall 70 and an annular bottom toe portion 72 that define a sleeve that is adapted to capture the vessel 52 in such a way that the sidewall 70 of the viscoelastic skin 68 fits over and is in contacting relation with the sidewall 54 of the vessel 52. The confronting top and bottom edges of the viscoelastic skin 68 and shoulder 66 of the collar 62 are bonded and lap-joined as illustrated generally at 74.

The monolithic viscoelastic skin 68 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 50 by displacing the viscoelastic skin 68 between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 52 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 54 of the vessel 52, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

The viscoelastic skin, whether monolithic or composite, bag- or sleevelike, described herein of any ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention, may be made translucent or transparent. Because the viscoelastic skin of any ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle by displacing the viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel, to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall of the vessel, the outside surface of the vessel may be advantageously textured and/or patterned with decorative or information bearing features. For translucent or transparent viscoelastic skins, the decorative or information bearing features provide a desired aesthetic appearance and/or may be imprinted with a logo or other advertising material. When the outside surface of the vessel is textured, the texture provided may help to stabilize the grip, helping to prevent or eliminate slippage and spillage as the skin displaces allowing the hand to contact the confronting textured features of the surface of the vessel. FIG. 3 shows in the FIG. 3A thereof vessel 90 textured with an exemplary horizontal rib pattern generally designated 92; shows in the FIG. 3B vessel 100 patterned with decorative fish features generally designated 102 and shows in the FIG. 3C thereof vessel 110 textured with an exemplary vertical rib pattern generally designated 112.

With reference to FIG. 4, variations of one embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, generally designated at 120 is one embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 120 includes a vessel generally designated 122. The vessel 122 includes upstanding sidewalls 124 and an included bottom wall 126. The sidewalls 124 and bottom wall 126 define a mouth generally designated 128, near the top of the vessel 122, and a chamber generally designated 130, internal to the vessel 122 and in communication with the mouth 128. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 128 and contained in the chamber 130 of the vessel 122. Although the vessel 122 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 122 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 132 carried about its mouth 128. The outwardly extending collar 132 is attached to the top of the vessel 122, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 132 has threads 134 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 136 provided about its bottom end. The threads 134 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, baglike viscoelastic skin generally designated 138 is provided about the outside of the vessel 122. The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 138 includes a flexible bag of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 140 having an upstanding annular sidewall 142 and an included bottom wall 144 that are spaced from the confronting annular wall 124 and included bottom 126 of the vessel 122 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 146 therebetween, and further includes a viscoelastic material 148 disposed within the annular chamber 146. The confronting edges of the flexible bag 140 of the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 138 and shoulder 136 of the collar 132 are bonded and lap joined as illustrated generally at 150.

The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 138 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 120 by displacing the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 122 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 124 of the vessel 122, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, generally designated at 160 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 160 includes a vessel generally designated 162. The vessel 162 includes upstanding sidewalls 164 and an included bottom wall 166. The sidewalls 164 and bottom wall 166 define a mouth generally designated 168, near the top of the vessel 162, and a chamber generally designated 170, internal to the vessel 162 and in communication with the mouth 168. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 168 and contained in the chamber 170 of the vessel 162. Although the vessel 162 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 162 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 172 carried about its mouth 168. The outwardly extending collar 172 is attached to the top of the vessel 162, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 172 has threads 174 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 176 provided about its bottom end. The collar 172 includes an outwardly facing annular groove generally designated 178. The threads 174 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, baglike viscoelastic skin generally designated 180 is provided about the outside of the vessel 162. The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 180 includes a flexible bag of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 182 having an upstanding annular sidewall 184 and an included bottom wall 186 that are spaced from the confronting annular wall 164 and included bottom 166 of the vessel 162 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 188 therebetween, and further includes a viscoelastic material 190 disposed within the annular chamber 188. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 184 of the flexible bag 182 of the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 180 includes an inwardly facing annular edge 192 that seats in the outwardly facing annular groove 178 of the collar 172 and is retained therein by means of a retaining ring 194 attached to the collar 172, which mechanically captures the edge 192 in the groove 178 to seal the chamber 188 against leakage of viscoelastic material 190.

The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 180 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 160 by displacing the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 162 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 164 of the vessel 162, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, generally designated at 200 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 200 includes a vessel generally designated 202. The vessel 202 includes upstanding sidewalls 204 and an included bottom wall 206. The sidewalls 204 and bottom wall 206 define a mouth generally designated 208, near the top of the vessel 202, and a chamber generally designated 210, internal to the vessel 202 and in communication with the mouth 208. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 208 and contained in the chamber 210 of the vessel 202. Although the vessel 202 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 202 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 212 carried about its mouth 208. The outwardly extending collar 212 is attached to the top of the vessel 202, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 212 has threads 214 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 216 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 216 includes a outwardly and downwardly facing flange 218. The threads 214 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, baglike viscoelastic skin generally designated 220 is provided about the outside of the vessel 202. The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 220 includes a flexible bag of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 222 having an upstanding annular sidewall 224 and an included bottom wall 226 that are spaced from the confronting annular wall 204 and included bottom 206 of the vessel 202 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 228 therebetween, and further includes a viscoelastic material 230 disposed within the annular chamber 228. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 224 of the flexible bag 222 of the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 220 is bonded and butt-joined to joining ring 234. The joining ring 234 is bonded and lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly facing flange 218 of the shoulder 216 of the collar 212, thereby sealing the chamber 228 against leakage of viscoelastic material 230.

The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 220 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 200 by displacing the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 202 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 204 of the vessel 202, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

With reference to FIG. 5, variations of one embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin and flat bottom cap in accord with the present invention will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, generally designated at 250 is one embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 250 includes a vessel generally designated 252. The vessel 252 includes upstanding sidewalls 254 and an included bottom wall 256. The sidewalls 254 and bottom wall 256 define a mouth generally designated 258, near the top of the vessel 252, and a chamber generally designated 260, internal to the vessel 252 and in communication with the mouth 258. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 258 and contained in the chamber 260 of the vessel 252. Although the vessel 252 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 252 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 262 carried about its mouth 258. The outwardly extending collar 262 is attached to the top of the vessel 252, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 262 has threads 264 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 266 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 266 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 268. The threads 264 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 270 is provided about the outside of the vessel 252. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 270 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 272 spaced from the confronting annular wall 254 of the vessel 252 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 274 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 276 is disposed. A bottom cap having a flat profile 278 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 252 of the receptacle 250. The top edge of the upstanding flexible annulus 272 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined as shown generally at 280 to the outwardly and downwardly extending flange 268 of the shoulder 266 of the vessel 252 and the bottom edge thereof is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined as shown generally at 282 to the confronting top edge of the flat bottom cap 278, thereby sealing the chamber 274 against leakage of viscoelastic material 276.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 270 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 250 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 252 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 254 of the vessel 252, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, generally designated at 290 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 290 includes a vessel generally designated 292. The vessel 292 includes upstanding sidewalls 294 and an included bottom wall 296. The sidewalls 294 and bottom wall 296 define a mouth generally designated 298, near the top of the vessel 292, and a chamber generally designated 300, internal to the vessel 292 and in communication with the mouth 298. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 298 and contained in the chamber 300 of the vessel 292. Although the vessel 292 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 292 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 304 carried about its mouth 300. The outwardly extending collar 304 is attached to the top of the vessel 292, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 304 has threads 306 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 308 provided about its bottom end. The collar 304 includes an outwardly facing annular groove generally designated 310. The threads 306 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 312 is provided about the outside of the vessel 292. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 312 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 314 spaced from the confronting annular wall 294 of the vessel 292 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 316 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 318 is disposed. A bottom cap having a flat profile 320 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 292 of the receptacle 290. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 314 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 312 includes an inwardly facing annular edge 322 that seats in the outwardly facing annular groove 310 of the collar 304 and is mechanically retained therein by means of a retaining ring 324 attached to the collar 304 and the bottom edge thereof is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to the confronting edge of the flat bottom cap 320, thereby sealing the chamber 316 against leakage of viscoelastic material 318.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 312 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 290 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 292 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 294 of the vessel 292, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, generally designated at 330 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 330 includes a vessel generally designated 332. The vessel 332 includes upstanding annular sidewall 334 and an included bottom wall 336. The sidewall 334 and bottom wall 336 define a mouth generally designated 338, near the top of the vessel 332, and a chamber generally 340, internal to the vessel 332 and in communication with the mouth 338. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 338 and contained in the chamber 340 of the vessel 332. Although the vessel 332 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 332 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 342 carried about its mouth 338. The outwardly extending collar 342 is attached to the top of the vessel 332, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 342 has threads 344 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 346 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 346 includes an outwardly and downwardly facing annular flange 348. The threads 344 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 350 is provided about the outside of the vessel 332. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 350 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 352 spaced from the confronting annular wall 334 of the vessel 332 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 354 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 356 is disposed. A bottom cap having a flat profile 358 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 332 of the receptacle 330. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 352 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 350 is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to joining ring 360. The joining ring 360 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly facing flange 348 of the shoulder 346 of the collar 342, thereby sealing the top rim of the chamber 354 against leakage of viscoelastic material 356. The bottom edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 352 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 350 is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to the confronting edge of the flat bottom cap 358, thereby sealing the bottom rim of the chamber 354 against leakage of viscoelastic material 356.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 350 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 330 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 332 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 334 of the vessel 332, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 5D, generally designated at 370 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 370 includes a vessel generally designated 372. The vessel 372 includes upstanding annular sidewall 374 and an included bottom wall 376. The sidewall 374 and bottom wall 376 define a mouth generally designated 378, near the top of the vessel 372, and a chamber generally 380, internal to the vessel 372 and in communication with the mouth 378. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 378 and contained in the chamber 380 of the vessel 372. Although the vessel 372 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 372 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 382 carried about its mouth 378. The outwardly extending collar 382 is attached to the top of the vessel 372, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 382 has threads 384 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 386 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 386 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 388. The threads 384 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 390 is provided about the outside of the vessel 372. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 390 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 392 spaced from the confronting annular wall 374 of the vessel 372 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 394 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 396 is disposed. A bottom cap having a flat profile 398 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 372 of the receptacle 370. The top edge of the upstanding flexible annulus 392 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly extending flange 388 of the shoulder 386 of the vessel 372, thereby sealing the top of the chamber 394 against leakage of viscoelastic material 396. The bottom edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 392 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 390 is mechanically captured between an outwardly directed annular flange 400, carried proximate the bottom of the vessel 372, and the confronting edge of flat bottom cap 398, thereby sealing the bottom rim of the chamber 394 against leakage of viscoelastic material 396.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 390 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 370 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 372 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 374 of the vessel 372, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

With reference to FIG. 6, variations of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin and apertured bottom cap in accord with the present invention will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, generally designated at 410 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 410 includes a vessel generally designated 412. The vessel 412 includes upstanding annular sidewall 414 and an included bottom wall 416. The sidewalls 414 and bottom wall 416 define a mouth generally designated 418, near the top of the vessel 412, and a chamber generally designated 420, internal to the vessel 412 and in communication with the mouth 418. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 418 and contained in the chamber 420 of the vessel 412. Although the vessel 412 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 412 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 422 carried about its mouth 418. The outwardly extending collar 422 is attached to the top of the vessel 412, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 422 has threads 424 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 426 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 426 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 428. The threads 424 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 429 is provided about the outside of the vessel 412. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 429 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 430 spaced from the confronting annular wall 414 of the vessel 412 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 432 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 434 is disposed. A bottom cap having an apertured profile 436 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 412 of the receptacle 410. The top edge of the upstanding flexible annulus 430 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined as generally shown at 438 to the outwardly and downwardly extending flange 428 of the shoulder 426 of the vessel 412 and the bottom edge thereof is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to the confronting top edge of the apertured bottom cap 436, thereby sealing the chamber 432 against leakage of viscoelastic material 434.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 429 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 410 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 410 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 414 of the vessel 410, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, generally designated at 450 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 450 includes a vessel generally designated 452. The vessel 452 includes upstanding sidewalls 454 and an included bottom wall 456. The sidewalls 454 and bottom wall 456 define a mouth generally designated 458, near the top of the vessel 452, and a chamber generally designated 460, internal to the vessel 452 and in communication with the mouth 458. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 458 and contained in the chamber 460 of the vessel 452. Although the vessel 452 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 452 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 462 carried about its mouth 458. The outwardly extending collar 462 is attached to the top of the vessel 452, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 462 has threads 464 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 466 provided about its bottom end. The collar 462 includes an outwardly facing annular groove generally designated 468. The threads 464 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 470 is provided about the outside of the vessel 452. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 470 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 472 spaced from the confronting annular wall 454 of the vessel 452 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 474 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 476 is disposed. A bottom cap having an apertured profile 478 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 452 of the receptacle 450. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 472 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 470 includes an inwardly facing annular edge 480 that seats in the outwardly facing annular groove 468 of the collar 462 and is mechanically retained therein by means of a retaining ring 482 attached to the collar 466 and the bottom edge thereof is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined the confronting edge of the apertured bottom 478, thereby sealing the chamber 474 against leakage of viscoelastic material 476.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 470 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 450 by the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 452 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 454 of the vessel 452, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, generally designated at 490 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 490 includes a vessel generally designated 492. The vessel 492 includes upstanding annular sidewall 494 and an included bottom wall 496. The sidewall 494 and bottom wall 496 define a mouth generally designated 498, near the top of the vessel 492, and a chamber generally 500, internal to the vessel 492 and in communication with the mouth 498. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 498 and contained in the chamber 500 of the vessel 492. Although the vessel 492 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 492 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 502 carried about its mouth 498. The outwardly extending collar 502 is attached to the top of the vessel 492, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 502 has threads 504 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 506 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 506 includes an outwardly and downwardly facing annular flange 508. The threads 504 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 510 is provided about the outside of the vessel 492. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 510 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 512 spaced from the confronting annular wall 494 of the vessel 492 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 514 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 516 is disposed. A bottom cap having a flat profile 518 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 492 of the receptacle 490. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 512 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 510 is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to joining ring 520. The joining ring 520 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly facing flange 508 of the shoulder 506 of the collar 502, thereby sealing the top rim of the chamber 514 against leakage of viscoelastic material 516. The bottom edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 512 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 510 is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to the confronting edge of the apertured bottom cap 518, thereby sealing the bottom rim of the chamber 514 against leakage of viscoelastic material 516.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 510 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 490 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 492 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 494 of the vessel 492, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, generally designated at 530 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 530 includes a vessel generally designated 532. The vessel 532 includes upstanding annular sidewall 534 and an included bottom wall 536. The sidewall 534 and bottom wall 536 define a mouth generally designated 538, near the top of the vessel 532, and a chamber generally 540, internal to the vessel 32 and in communication with the mouth 538. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 538 and contained in the chamber 540 of the vessel 532. Although the vessel 532 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 532 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 542 carried about its mouth 538. The outwardly extending collar 542 is attached to the top of the wall 534 of the vessel 532, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 542 has threads 544 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 546 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 546 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 548. The threads 544 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 550 is provided about the outside of the vessel 532. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 550 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 552 spaced from the confronting annular wall 534 of the vessel 550 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 554 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 556 is disposed. A bottom cap 558 having an apertured profile is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 532 of the receptacle 530. The top edge of the upstanding flexible annulus 552 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly extending flange 548 of the shoulder 546 of the vessel 532, thereby sealing the top of the chamber 554 against leakage of viscoelastic material 556. The bottom edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 552 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 550 is mechanically captured between an outwardly directed annular flange 560 carried proximate the bottom of the vessel 532 and the confronting annular edge of flat bottom cap 558, thereby sealing the bottom rim of the chamber 554 against leakage of viscoelastic material 556.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 550 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 530 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 532 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 534 of the vessel 532, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

With reference to FIG. 7, variations of another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin and dimpled bottom cap in accord with the present invention will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, generally designated at 570 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 570 includes a vessel generally designated 572. The vessel 572 includes upstanding annular sidewall 574 and an included, dimpled bottom wall 576. The sidewalls 574 and bottom wall 576 define a mouth generally designated 578, near the top of the vessel 572, and a chamber generally designated 580, internal to the vessel 572 and in communication with the mouth 578. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 578 and contained in the chamber 580 of the vessel 572. Although the vessel 572 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 572 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 582 carried about its mouth 578. The outwardly extending collar 582 is attached to the top of the vessel 572, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 582 has threads 584 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 586 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 586 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 588. The threads 584 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 590 is provided about the outside of the vessel 572. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 590 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 592 spaced from the confronting annular wall 574 of the vessel 572 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 594 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 596 is disposed. A bottom cap 598 having a dimpled profile is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 572 of the receptacle 570. The top edge of the upstanding flexible annulus 592 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined designated generally at 600 to the outwardly and downwardly extending flange 588 of the shoulder 586 of the vessel 572 and the bottom edge thereof is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to the confronting top edge of the dimpled bottom cap 598, thereby sealing the chamber 594 against leakage of viscoelastic material 596. A removable closure 604 is inset into the bottom cap 598 to provide access to the chamber 594.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 590 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 570 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 572 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 574 of the vessel 572, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, generally designated at 610 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 610 includes a vessel generally designated 612. The vessel 612 includes upstanding sidewalls 614 and an included dimpled, bottom wall 616. The sidewalls 614 and bottom wall 616 define a mouth generally designated 618, near the top of the vessel 612, and a chamber generally designated 620, internal to the vessel 612 and in communication with the mouth 618. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 618 and contained in the chamber 620 of the vessel 612. Although the vessel 612 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 612 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 622 carried about its mouth 618. The outwardly extending collar 622 is attached to the top of the vessel 612, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 622 has threads 624 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 626 provided about its bottom end. The collar 622 includes an outwardly facing annular groove generally designated 628. The threads 624 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 630 is provided about the outside of the vessel 612. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 630 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 632 spaced from the confronting annular wall 614 of the vessel 612 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 634 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 696 is disposed. A bottom cap having a dimpled profile 638 is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 630 of the receptacle 610. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 632 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 630 includes an inwardly facing annular edge 640 that seats in the outwardly facing annular groove 628 of the collar 622 and is mechanically retained therein by means of a retaining ring 642 attached to the collar 622 and the bottom edge thereof is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined the confronting edge of the dimpled bottom cap 638, thereby sealing the chamber 634 against leakage of viscoelastic material 636. A removable closure 644 is inset into the bottom cap 638 to provide access to the chamber 634.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 630 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 610 by the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 630 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 614 of the vessel 630, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, generally designated at 650 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 650 includes a vessel generally designated 652. The vessel 652 includes upstanding annular sidewall 654 and an included, dimpled bottom wall 656. The sidewall 654 and bottom wall 656 define a mouth generally designated 658, near the top of the vessel 652, and a chamber generally 660, internal to the vessel 652 and in communication with the mouth 658. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 658 and contained in the chamber 660 of the vessel 652. Although the vessel 652 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 652 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 662 carried about its mouth 658. The outwardly extending collar 662 is attached to the top of the vessel 652, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 662 has threads 664 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 666 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 666 includes an outwardly and downwardly facing annular flange 668. The threads 664 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 670 is provided about the outside of the vessel 652. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 670 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 672 spaced from the confronting annular wall 654 of the vessel 652 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 674 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 676 is disposed. A bottom cap 678 having a dimpled profile is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 652 of the receptacle 650. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 672 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 670 is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to joining ring 680. The joining ring 680 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly facing flange 668 of the shoulder 666 of the collar 662, thereby sealing the top rim of the chamber 674 against leakage of viscoelastic material 676. The bottom edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 672 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 670 is adhesively or otherwise butt-joined to the confronting edge of the dimpled bottom cap 678, thereby sealing the bottom rim of the chamber 674 against leakage of viscoelastic material 676. A removable closure 682 is inset into the bottom cap 678 to provide access to the chamber 674.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 670 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 650 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 652 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 654 of the vessel 652, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 7D, generally designated at 690 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 690 includes a vessel generally designated 692. The vessel 692 includes upstanding annular sidewall 694 and an included, dimpled bottom wall 696. The sidewall 694 and bottom wall 696 define a mouth generally designated 698, near the top of the vessel 692, and a chamber generally 700, internal to the vessel 692 and in communication with the mouth 698. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 698 and contained in the chamber 700 of the vessel 692. Although the vessel 692 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 692 includes an outwardly extending collar generally designated 702 carried about its mouth 698. The outwardly extending collar 702 is attached to the top of the wall 694 of the vessel 692, although it could be integrally formed therewith out departing from the inventive concepts.

The collar 702 has threads 704 provided about its top end and an outwardly extending shoulder generally designated 706 provided about its bottom end. The shoulder 706 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 708. The threads 704 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin generally designated 710 is provided about the outside of the vessel 692. The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 710 includes a flexible annulus of thermoplatic elatomer or other thin, flexible material generally designated 712 spaced from the confronting annular wall 694 of the vessel 692 and defining an annular chamber generally designated 714 therebetween, in which a viscoelastic material 716 is disposed. A bottom cap 718 having a dimpled profile is mounted to the bottom of the vessel 692 of the receptacle 690. The top edge of the upstanding flexible annulus 712 is adhesively or otherwise lap joined to the outwardly and downwardly extending flange 708 of the shoulder 706 of the vessel 692, thereby sealing the top of the chamber 714 against leakage of viscoelastic material 716. The bottom edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 712 of the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 710 is mechanically captured between an outwardly directed annular flange 720 carried proximate the bottom of the sidewall 694 of the vessel 692 and the confronting annular edge of dimpled bottom cap 718, thereby sealing the bottom rim of the chamber 714 against leakage of viscoelastic material 760. A removable closure 722 is inset into the bottom cap 718 to provide access to the chamber 714.

The composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin 710 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 710 by displacing the composite, sleevelike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 692 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 694 of the vessel 692, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 8, generally designated at 750 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 750 includes a vessel generally designated 752. The vessel 752 includes upstanding sidewalls 754 and an included bottom wall 756. The sidewalls 754 and bottom wall 756 define a mouth generally designated 758, near the top of the vessel 752, and a chamber generally designated 760, internal to the vessel 752 and in communication with the mouth 758. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 758 and contained in the chamber 760 of the vessel 752. Although the vessel 752 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 752 includes a collar generally designated 762 carried about its mouth 758. The collar 762 is integral with the top of the vessel 752.

The collar 762 has threads 764 provided about its top end. The collar 762 includes walls defining a downwardly facing annular channel generally designated 766. The threads 764 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, baglike viscoelastic skin generally designated 768 is provided about the outside of the vessel 752. The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 768 includes a flexible bag of thermoplastic elastomer or another flexible material generally designated 770 having an upstanding annular sidewall 772 and an integrally formed bottom web cap 774 defining a chamber generally designated 776, and further includes a gel or other viscoelastic material 778 disposed within the chamber 776. The integral bottom web cap 774 includes annular foot 780 and filling cap 782. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 772 of the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 768 is integrally molded with joining ring 784. The joining ring 784 is lap joined and laser welded or otherwise bonded to the walls defining the downwardly facing groove 766 of the collar 762, thereby sealing the chamber 776 against leakage of viscoelastic material 778.

The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 768 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 750 by displacing the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 752 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 754 of the vessel 752, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

Referring now to FIG. 9, generally designated at 800 is another embodiment of an ergonomic receptacle having a composite, baglike viscoelastic skin of the present invention. The ergonomic receptacle 800 includes a vessel generally designated 802. The vessel 802 includes upstanding sidewalls 804 and an included bottom wall 806. The sidewalls 804 and bottom wall 806 define a mouth generally designated 808, near the top of the vessel 802, and a chamber generally designated 810, internal to the vessel 802 and in communication with the mouth 808. As will be readily appreciated, an ailment, not shown, may be received and dispensed through the mouth 808 and contained in the chamber 810 of the vessel 802. Although the vessel 802 is shown with a generally U-shaped profile, it will be appreciated that it could be otherwise shaped in accord with the dictates of usage and design.

The vessel 802 includes a collar generally designated 812 carried about its mouth 808. The collar 812 is integral with the top of the vessel 802.

The collar 812 has threads 814 provided about its top end. The collar 812 includes walls defining a downwardly facing annular channel generally designated 816. The threads 814 receive in well-known manner a lid, not shown.

A composite, baglike viscoelastic skin generally designated 820 is provided about the outside of the vessel 802. The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 820 includes a flexible bag of thermoplastic elastomer or another flexible material generally designated 822 having an upstanding annular sidewall 824 and an integrally formed bottom web cap 826 defining a chamber generally designated 828 thereinbetween, and further includes a gel or other viscoelastic material 830 disposed within the chamber 828. The integral bottom web cap 826 includes annular foot 832 and filling cap 834. The integral bottom web cap 826 is provided with flutes generally designated 836 as illustrated in FIG. 10 to allow the viscoelastic material to fill up the sides. The top edge of the upstanding annular sidewall 824 of the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 820 is integrally molded and lap joined with joining ring 838, the top end of which is received in the annular channel 816 of the collar 812. A sealing ring 840 molded over the joining ring 836 seals the chamber 828 against leakage of viscoelastic material 830.

The composite, baglike viscoelastic skin 820 exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and viscoelastically flows to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle 800 by displacing the composite, baglike viscoelastic skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel 802 to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall 804 of the vessel 802, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.

In any of the monolithic viscoelastic skin embodiments of the ergonomic receptacle having a viscoelastic skin in accord with the present invention, the monolithic viscoelastic skin may be a thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, polyurethane, rubber or other similar material. In any of the composite viscoelastic skin embodiments thereof, the skin material may be of cellophane or thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, polyurethane, rubber or other flexible material; the viscoelastic material may be a gel or gel-like material of glycol or silicone or other composition or a mixture of materials and may be solid or semi-solid regular or granular or other material with such properties to assimilate flow-like movement. The vessels may be made of polypropylene or other material, such as other plastics or metals, including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, or stainless steel, and the joining, retaining and sealing rings may be made of polypropylene or other material, other plastics or metals, including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, or stainless steel.

Although a viscoelastic skin is presently preferred, another monolithic or composite flexible skin that exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and conforms to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the receptacle displacing the skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall of the vessel, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released may be employed in accord with the present invention.

It should be noted that the different disclosed attachments of the skins and vessels are exemplary and that different attachments and/or different arrangements of the various disclosed attachments at the top and/or bottom interfaces of the baglike and/or sleevelike skins and vessels are contemplated including molded attachments, attachments bonded adhesively, by laser weld or otherwise and mechanically attached.

Many modifications of the presently disclosed invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art having benefitted from the instant disclosure. 

1. An ergonomic, softly conforming to the hand receptacle, comprising: a vessel having walls defining a receiving void; a flexible skin provided about the vessel to cover at least a major portion of its peripheral surface; said flexible skin exhibits no flow when in steady-state, is soft to the touch and conforms to take a negative imprint of a hand gripping the vessel displacing the flexible skin between the hand and confronting surface of the vessel to allow the hand to comfortably and securely grasp the confronting wall portion of the vessel, and returns towards its condition of undeformed equilibrium when released.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vessel is a cup and the receiving void serves to contain a drink.
 3. The invention of claim 1, wherein said flexible skin is a viscoelastic skin provided about at least a major portion of the peripheral surface of said vessel is monolithic.
 4. The invention of claim 3, when the monolithic viscoelastic skin is baglike.
 5. The invention of claim 3, when the monolithic viscoelastic skin is sleevelike.
 6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said flexible skin is a viscoelastic skin provided about at least a major portion of the peripheral surface of said vessel is composite; wherein said composite viscoelastic skin includes a flexible outer layer of flexible sheet material that, together with the confronting wall of said vessel, defines a chamber; and wherein said chamber is filled with a viscoelastic material.
 7. The invention of claim 6, when the composite viscoelastic skin is baglike.
 8. The invention of claim 6, when the composite viscoelastic skin is sleevelike.
 9. The invention of claim 3, wherein the viscoelastic skin and vessel include at least one interface defined by confronting skin and vessel surfaces, and wherein the monolithic viscoelastic skin and vessel are permanently attached by bonding said confronting surfaces of said at least interface therebetween.
 10. The invention of claim 3, wherein the viscoelastic skin and vessel include at least one interface defined by confronting skin and vessel surfaces, and wherein the monolithic viscoelastic skin and vessel are attached by mechanical attachment of said confronting surfaces of said at least interface therebetween.
 11. The invention of claim 6, wherein the viscoelastic skin and vessel include at least one interface defined by confronting skin and vessel surfaces, and wherein the composite viscoelastic skin and vessel are permanently attached by bonding said confronting surfaces of said at least interface therebetween.
 12. The invention of claim 6, wherein the viscoelastic skin and vessel include at least one interface defined by confronting skin and vessel surfaces, and wherein the composite viscoelastic skin and vessel are attached by mechanical attachment of said confronting surfaces of said at least interface therebetween.
 13. The invention of claim 1, wherein the vessel has a bottom and wherein a bottom cap is attached to the bottom of the vessel.
 14. The invention of claim 13, wherein said bottom cap has a flat profile.
 15. The invention of claim 13, wherein said bottom cap has a dimpled profile.
 16. The invention of claim 13, wherein said bottom cap has an apertured profile.
 17. The invention of claim 1, wherein said skin is translucent.
 18. The invention of claim 17, when the vessel has an outside surface and wherein said outside surface is patterned.
 19. The invention of claim 18, wherein said patterned outside surface is patterned with structural features.
 20. The invention of claim 18, wherein said patterned outside surface is patterned with decorative features.
 21. The invention of claim 18, wherein said patterned outside surface is patterned with information bearing features. 